The people of Richmond are the real heroes of this
election. They were able to see through the fog of millions
of dollars worth of campaign mailings and well financed
smear campaigns. In part this was the result of the effort
of all the people of the RPA and others who volunteered
so many hours to go door to door, phone, and work the
polls on election day. Thank you.
Congratulations to Corky on his election and Jim Rogers
on his re-election. Thank you to Jeff Ritterman and Tom
Butt and Mayor McLaughlin all of whose encouragement
and endorsement gave me both strength and insight.
The election results show that
there are still deep racial divisions in Richmond.
While the results show hopeful signs o these divisions
breaking down we have a lot more work to do. I will
work hard for all residents and move us to “One Richmond” by making sure
that the city pays attention to the needs of the African-American
and Latino communities which have been hardest hit by
the economic collapse.
In November
of 2008, we
had a historic national election in which our city and
the nation dared to aspire to a new and better world. Here
in our dear Richmond we made significant gains toward a
better government, bringing more fairness and balance to
our societal responsibilities.
Nationally, there have been setbacks and we
have not seen yet the national programs necessary to restart the economy. Yet
there is much we can and must do here in Richmond.
We have made strides in reducing violence
through community policing. Big Oil is finally paying more of its
fair share of taxes, and we have begun attracting green jobs—the only
growing sector of the economy—to Richmond. We have to nurture and
expand these programs. We also have to avoid short-term programs that
will set us back. We must encourage development of Point Molate
but oppose the Casino which will increase crime and
social problems in Richmond.
I was nearly elected in 2008. I am very
proud that 11,090 voters voted for me (only a few hundred votes short of
victory).
With your help we will be successful this year. We will keep the campaign
positive, and reach out to all voters in every neighborhood with a strong grassroots
cadre of volunteers. I appreciate your ideas, suggestions and support on this
path. Call me at any time (510-496-2711) or send me an email (Jovanka@JovankaBeckles.org).
Pull together some friends and let me meet them, hear from them and share my
thoughts. Your financial support is also appreciated. We
have a paypal account on our website.
Lastly, I want to thank each of you for all your contributions to the people
of Richmond. Everything that you have contributed-- and continue to give --
is blossoming into the future we all dream for our city.
Peace and blessings,
Peace
and blessings,
Jovanka
Dear
friend of Richmond: :
My name is Jovanka Beckles and I am running for Richmond
City Council. I love this City of Richmond where I live and
work. I see all its potential. I see great need for healthy
change here in our city. I realize how much positive progressive
change it needs to become the city of our dreams. I know
it is possible to build this together. We must move forward
to address our current, as well as our future needs.
The election of President Barack
Obama signaled that the country was ready for change. We
need change at our local levels as well. It is ultimately
up to each and every one of us, in every neighborhood to
participate in creating the local changes that we want to
see.
We have, in Richmond’s history,
very proud moments of great achievements that have benefited
all of our residents. When we were able to come together
from many perspectives and backgrounds and support our common
interests and aspirations we have excelled. We can learn
a lot from that history. See and download “Our
History Built Richmond” and “One
Richmond.”
We continue to change the image
of Richmond to reflect what we know to be true- that Richmond
is a city of many distinct communities that reflect the
diversity of culture, interests, talents and possibilities.
We can be proud of Richmond’s
past history event as we continue to make history.
We find ourselves today faced with the great opportunity
of re-defining the city where we live. Practicing forward
thinking, we have put Richmond on the map as a city willing
to make a way for a green economy that supports rather than
harms the environment. In the coming years we can build a
city-home with enough new jobs for all, by capitalizing on
the booming Green jobs sector. We must create community where
violence and crime is up-rooted, through a committed and
unified effort by community members to Get Involved!. We
deserve clean air to breath, great after school programs
and libraries to learn, with parks and gardens and community
places to enjoy and share. We must implement policies that
dramatically and positively improve the quality of life for
Richmond residents.
I feel even more strongly that it is particularly true for
young people. I have had many sad opportunities to witness
the despair of our youth. The worse was when I was the victim
of a home invasion at gunpoint. As terrifying as that was
for me, it was clear to me that those young, desperate men
were equally terrified. They were not frightened of me: they
were afraid of not having any obvious reason to hope for
a good future with equal opportunities. We must address the
root causes of this despair. We must show our children they
are valued by providing all with a quality education, as
well as positive actions and role models. The young men and
women with whom I work every day want a future that is prosperous
and safe. They are the ones who remind me that positive progressive
change is desperately needed and that, fortunately, it is
in the air.
I bring many talents
to the Council. These include: my experience in dealing
with the root causes of violence and crime, my integrity,
my Masters degree in Business Administration, a no-nonsense
business approach, my solid community values, a fresh vision
and energy, along with my dedication to Richmond and my
faith in its residents.
I ask for your help and support. Together we can build that
city that is a true home for all of us.
Positive
Progressive Change is needed and it is in the air.
"Change
will not come if we wait for some other person
or some other time. We are the ones we've been
waiting for. We are the change that we seek." -
BARACK OBAMA, speech, Feb. 5, 2008
Join
me, and many good friends, neighbors and supporters
in a celebration of truth and good ideas. We need
them both and badly in Richmond, and we need them
soon.
My
priorities will be to work on: Preventing
crime and violence with
jobs, youth programs and public safety
Developing
and diversifying our economy with
new green technologies and more support for small business
Defending
Richmond’s health with
less toxic places and more open spaces
Building
unity from our diversity, embracing
our differences and pulling together as one Richmond
Better
utilization of City funds to
reduce the bureaucracy, expand services, and fix our streets.